Amazed, Delighted or Afraid

Posted on March 5, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

March 5

Amazed, Delighted or Afraid?

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 35:11-18; Numbers 4:1-5:31; Mark 12:18-37; Proverbs 10:26

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 12:18-37

“And they were amazed at him.” (Matthew 12:17) ”And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.” (12:34b) “The large crowd listened to him with delight” (12:37b, NIV).

Mark recounts a series of dialogues between Jesus and the religious leaders over various issues. It begins with the question, “by what authority are you doing these things?” This leads to questions regarding paying taxes, marriage at the resurrection and the greatest commandment. Jesus answers each question with unusual wisdom. In each case he demonstrates his authority by his answers and the manner in which he speaks. 

Then Jesus asks a question. It puts the whole thing in perspective. Applying the words of David in the Psalms to himself, he clearly points out his authority as the Son of God (35-37). The crowds listened with delight, while the religious leaders feared him and plotted his arrest.

How do you react to the wisdom of Jesus? Do you question and resist his authority over your life (preferring your independence)? Do you fear what he might say?  

We do better to stand amazed at his wisdom (17) and to delight in what he has to say (37). There is no good reason to fear what he has to say–no good reason to reject or resist it. Yes, it threatens our independence–it crushes our pride as we give over rule of our kingdom to Him.  

Feel free to bring your questions to Jesus. Look to him for wisdom. Stand amazed and delight in his teaching. It brings light; it brings life.

Jesus, I stand amazed at your wisdom, your teaching, your authority. I find delight in you and in your works. Help me to trust in you and your wisdom as I seek to follow your commands and abide in your love. Amen.

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God Helps Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

Posted on March 4, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
God Helps Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

March 4

God Helps Those Who Cannot Help Themselves

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 35:1-10; Numbers 2:1 – 3:51; Mark 11:27 – 12:17; Proverbs 10:24-25

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 35:1-10

“But let me run loose and free, celebrating God’s great work. Every bone in my body laughing, singing, “God there’s no one like you, You put the down-and-out on their feet and protect the unprotected from bullies” (Psalm 35:9-10 The Message).  

It is commonly thought that the idea “God helps those who help themselves” is found in Scripture. It is not. In complete contrast, this scripture could easily be paraphrased: “God helps those who cannot help themselves.” David’s desperate cries in this Psalm show his trust in God who helps the helpless and brings hope to the hopeless. In asking for God’s intervention, he appeals to God’s heart for the down-and-out: the helpless, the oppressed, those without hope.

Scripture after scripture could be cited that remind us that God is especially concerned for those who cannot help themselves—those that society tends to leave behind.

Know that when you are feeling helpless and hopeless, God sees and he cares. His everlasting arms are there to uphold you. He is the one you can turn to, the one who will take up your cause.

The injustice and oppression is not lost on God. The down-and-out, the helpless, the hopeless are not forgotten by God. He sees and he cares. Vindication will come, either here or in eternity.

We are the hands and feet of Jesus, as his body, and we must be found caring for those who especially need our help and attention. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

The vulnerable may be neglected or even oppressed by the world, but they are deeply loved by God. Christians are to stand in sharp contrast to the world by doing all we can to see that needs are met. We are called to express God’s heart to them—to show His love and compassion in practical ways. Not to do so is a sign that our faith is compromised and our love for Christ is lacking.  

Loving Lord, give me eyes to see the people of this world as you see them. Give me a heart to stand up for and help those in need. Help me to demonstrate my love to you through practical demonstrations of love to those who need it most. Amen.

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Turn the Tables

Posted on March 3, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Turn the Tables

March 3

Turn the Tables

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 34:11-22; Leviticus 27:14 – Numbers 1:54; Mark 11:1-26; Proverbs 10:23

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 11:1-26

And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers’” (Mark 11:17 TNIV).

Jesus passion and zeal was expressed as he sought to reclaim the temple as a house of prayer for all nations. He was upset with the misuse of the temple. He was angry that the nations were left out of the house of prayer as the court of the gentiles had become a place of merchandising.

Is your place of worship a house of prayer? Are God’s people devoted to prayer? Are you? Devotion to prayer was the hallmark of the early church. The church was birthed in a prayer meeting (Pentecost) and went forth in power as they continued to meet together to pray. Yet the commitment to prayer seems to be falling to the wayside in many churches today. I wonder if Jesus would do some house cleaning in our churches and teach us once again to become a people of prayer.

Is your house of prayer a place for all people? What about those that are from different nations and cultures? The Temple had lost its missional focus: the court of the gentiles had become a place of convenience for the Jewish worshipers—a place where they could buy the things they needed for the sacrifices. Are we reaching out to the nations? The nations are coming to us in America, what are we doing to reach out to them? Does your church see the potential of being involved in missions here—as well as there?

Don’t allow your church to become a place that exists for the convenience of the insiders. Turn the tables to bring new people in. Stir things up to remind them of their mission. Be a prayerful, missional person who is a part of Jesus revolution to call his people back to prayer and mission. Then perhaps we will find the promise of Isaiah to be fulfilled in our churches: “They will find joy in the house of prayer.”

Heavenly Father, help me to grow in my personal prayer life and fill my heart with the desire to pray with others. Make my church a powerful, joyful house of prayer. May it also be a place that welcomes all the nations to worship and pray. Give us a prayerful heart for the peoples of this world. Amen.

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Servant of All

Posted on March 2, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Servant of All Some seek for glory. Some seek for the first place. Christ is looking for those who will take the last place--for the one who will be a servant to all.

March 2

Servant of All

Today’s Scripture Readings:

Psalm 34:1-10; Leviticus 25:47- 27:13; Mark 10:32-52; Proverbs 10:22

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 10:32-52

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45 NIV).  

The way to greatness is found in becoming a servant. The one who would be first must first become a slave of all. These are the principles of Christ’s kingdom.  

James and John, the Sons of Thunder, lived up to their nickname again. They blurted it out: “let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” They were asking for positions of authority in Jesus kingdom. This of course caused controversy with the rest of the disciples when they found out (probably because they each wished for the same position).

Jesus pointed James and John to the cost of following Him, and particularly the cost of greatness in His kingdom. To be first, to be great, required humbling oneself to the place of a servant.

He also pointed to his own example as he told them, that he had come not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. 

Jesus is the ultimate example of servanthood. He humbled himself by becoming a man, by his daily acts of service, and most graphically, by dying on a cross. When Jesus took the form of a servant and washed the disciples feet, he was giving an example of the kind of humble service we are all called to as his disciples.

Some seek for glory. Some seek for the first place. Christ is looking for those who will take the last place—for the one who will be a servant to all. Servanthood is the only road to greatness in Christ’s kingdom.

Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of humility. Help me to follow you in the path of humility. May I live as your servant looking for opportunities to meet the needs of others and bring you glory. Amen.

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Growing Young

Posted on March 1, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Growing Young Child-like trust is required to enter the reality of God's Kingdom.

March 1

Growing Young

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 33:12-22; Leviticus 24:1-25:46; Mark 10:13-31; Proverbs 10:20-21

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 10:13-31

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:14-15 TNIV).

What were the “kingdom qualities” that Jesus saw in children? Why must we become like children to enter into this kingdom?

Children, of course, are far from perfect. Yet there are some wonderful qualities: creativity, lots of joy, imagination, not to mention being loving, curious and trusting.

I think it must be the quality of child-like trust that was especially in Jesus mind as he made these statements. Children have an ability to trust that we often lose as we grow older and become more jaded and cynical.  

We get hurt and our wounds make us suspicious. When we can’t make sense of the difficulties of life, we sometimes find ourselves disappointed with God. Then it becomes difficult to really trust.

But to children trust seems to just come naturally. I think this is why Jesus tells us that to enter into the Kingdom we must become like little children. To enter into the fullness of kingdom life, we must live by faith and trust in Jesus each step of the journey. We must move beyond our hurts, doubts and disappointments to renew our childlike trust.

Oh how much we miss out on, because we haven’t learned to grow young—because we’ve lost the ability to trust. Open your heart to Jesus. Learn to trust him—to trust him as a little child.

Lord Jesus, I open up my heart to trust you. Heal my wounded heart. Fill me with joy, with wonder, and curiosity. Give me the grace of a fresh start to trust you as a child. Amen.

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Too Many Words

Posted on February 28, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
When Words are Many Encouraging well timed words that build up rather than tear down are powerful--a sign of wisdom and maturity.

February 28

When Words are Many

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 33:1-11; Leviticus 22:17- 23:44; Mark 9:30-10:12; Proverbs 10:19

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise (Proverbs 10:19 NIV).  

Our words do get us in a lot of trouble. As the proverb reminds us, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

James says something similar: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

The tongue is very powerful for good or evil. The sins of the tongue—gossip, lying, slander—have great potential to hurt and wound. We do well to choose our words carefully. We show wisdom by being slow to speak and quick to listen.

Too many words may suggest that we are being careless with our words. Careless words sometimes entrap us, sometimes wound others, and sometimes get us in over our heads. Too many words may suggest that we are trying to cover over something. Too many words may also suggest that we are not careful listeners.

It is easy in the social media environment in which we live today, to pass on false, unhelpful or hurtful words. It’s easy to waste our time with “too many words.” Take the time to make sure your “few words” are truthful, helpful words.

Wisdom leads us to be careful listeners and to be careful with our words. Encouraging, well-timed words that build up rather than tear down are powerful—a sign of wisdom and maturity.

Heavenly Father, teach me the value of silence and solitude. Help me to be a good listener. When I speak, let it be with words that build up and encourage, words of wisdom and truth. Amen.

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Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

Posted on February 27, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 27

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 32:6-11; Leviticus 20:22- 22:16; Mark 9:1-29; Proverbs 10:18

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Leviticus 19-20

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. [22] “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” [23] “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” [24] Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:21-24 (NIV).

Everything is possible for the one who believes. It seems simple enough. But it was a difficult lesson for the disciples of Jesus to learn. It is hard for us too. The lessons of faith are never easily learned.

A boy was terribly tormented by a demon. The disciples were unable to set him free and this was causing quite a stir among the people in the crowd (and the religious leaders). Jesus rebukes them again for their lack of faith: “O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 

The boy’s father honestly expresses the struggle of a heart that earnestly hopes but struggles with doubts: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” In response to that honest confession, Jesus sets the boy free in an instant.

The simple statement of Jesus, “Everything is possible for him who believes,” is a source of hope and expectation to us as we pray. The boy’s father expresses the true state of most of our hearts: a mixture of hope and doubt—a combination of belief and unbelief. Yet Jesus seems to focus on the faith of the man—however incomplete—and seeks to encourage him to trust him even more.

Yes, we all struggle. Our faith is often mixed with unbelief. It is hard to overcome what we see in order to walk by faith. Yet Jesus looks into our hearts and sees the seeds of faith and encourages them to bloom. He calls us to trust him more; to trust him for even the impossible. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 

Lord, help us to trust you; help us to overcome our unbelief knowing that everything is possible to the one who believes. Give us the grace to trust you more. Amen.

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Too Much Information

Posted on February 26, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Too Much Information

February 26

Too Much Information

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 32:1-5; Leviticus 19:1 – 20:21; Mark 8:11-38; Proverbs 10:17

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Leviticus 19-20

“Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. [8] Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy” (Leviticus 20:7-8 NIV).

Sometimes it is easy to get bogged down or give up when you are reading through Leviticus. Regulations concerning mildew, bodily discharges and oozing sores may be a little “too much information” for most of us. But it is good to see the reason behind all these guidelines. God has chosen the people of Israel to display his glory to the nations. They are his chosen, dearly loved, holy people.

In many ways, the regulations set the people of Israel apart from the other nations. Often the regulations were given to protect them from disease or illness. Other regulations were given to keep them from the idolatrous practices of the nations around them. Admittedly, in some cases, it is hard to understand the reason for the regulation. But in all cases, God is showing his special care and protection for those he has chosen to be his own holy people.

In the New Testament, we who are believers in Christ, become his holy, chosen and dearly loved people by entering into relationship with God through faith apart from the works of the law. We walk by the new way of the Spirit rather than by the law. Still, we too are called to show God’s glory to the nations by living lives of holiness. In a world of compromise, God is calling his people to follow him—to become his holy people. He promises that he will be there to “make us holy.”

God has chosen you to be one of his Holy people. He is working in you to accomplish his holy purposes. He has given you his Spirit to enable you to live freely in his strength and power. He still longs for a holy people that will show his glory to the nations. As we give ourselves to Him and allow him to work in us and through us, he proves himself to be “the Lord, who makes you holy.”

Holy God, Help me to remember that I am set apart for your purposes. Help me to live in a way that is worthy of my calling. I am trusting in you to accomplish what you have started. Amen.

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Stored Up Goodness

Posted on February 25, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood
Stored Up Goodness

February 25

Stored Up Goodness

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:19-24; Leviticus 16:29 – 18:30; Mark 7:24- 8:10; Proverbs 10:15-16

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 31:19-24

How great is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you (Psalm 31:19 TNIV).  

God is storing up blessings for you. He is a good, benevolent and generous God who loves you and looks to bless you. There are times when life seems unjust and unfair—times when we wonder if God is ever going to answer our prayers. But be strong and wait in hope. When the time is right he has goodness stored up for those who fear him. And he intends to bestow those blessings in the sight of all when the time is right.

Sometimes we cry out for mercy and we think God has forgotten us. The Psalmist describes such a time: “Praise be to the LORD, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help” (21, 22). Even when we think we are alone and abandoned, God is there hearing our cry for mercy. When the time is right, he pours out his goodness and love.

Sometimes following the LORD takes us down a difficult path. People might look at us and wonder why God seems not to have noticed our injustice and pain. One day he will vindicate you for your faithfulness. Those who stay true and trust, will one day experience the “stored up blessings” of God in such a way that all will see and know that God is with you, and has been all the way.

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD” (24). Your faithful waiting will one day be rewarded.

God, you are the source of every blessing. May my heart be filled with gratitude as I remember the blessings you’ve poured out into my life. May my heart be filled with hope in anticipation of your continued blessings. In the moments where I struggle to see your hand of blessings, teach me to be strong and take heart and find hope in you. Amen.

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Heart Problems

Posted on February 24, 2025 by pastorjeffsneighborhood

February 24

Heart Problems

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 31:9-18; Leviticus 15:1-16:28; Mark 7:1-23; Proverbs 10:13-14

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Mark 7:1-23

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain for their teachings are merely human rules” (Mark 7:6-7 TNIV).

The Pharisees knew how to look spiritual. They knew how to play their spiritual games. They focused on the external and lived by the rules.

They were religious, but they were not godly. Their hearts needed a major cleansing.

Saying the right words, playing by the rules, and doing what others expect is not the essence of Christianity. What God is looking for is a heart that is changed from the inside. The transformed heart then works itself out into everything we do.

Don’t get so focused on the externals that you miss the heart of the matter—a heart that needs to be transformed. Open up your heart to Jesus and allow him to cleanse you from the inside out. Everything else will follow.

To focus only on the externals will lead you to pretending to be something that you are not—that is only hypocrisy. Yet, allowing Jesus to deal with your heart, allows you to live in fullness and freedom, and authenticity. People will see the real thing and be amazed.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for playing games, for pretending. Create in me a clean heart, a pure heart and help me to live authentically. Amen.

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